Three teenagers arrested after 17-year-old fatally stabbed near bus station

Three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 17-year-old was fatally stabbed near a town centre bus station, police have said.

Thomas Taylor, 17, was attacked by a group of males at 5.50pm on Wednesday as he walked along Greenhill Street, close to Bedford bus station, officers said.

The Bedford Academy student was taken to hospital with serious injuries but was pronounced dead a short time later.

On Friday, a 17-year-old and two 18-year-olds were arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody for questioning, Bedfordshire Police said.

A man in his 60s was arrested the day before on suspicion of assisting an offender and has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Detective Inspector Richard Stott, leading the investigation for the major crime unit, said: “This is an absolutely shocking incident in which a teenage boy has lost his life as a result of knife crime and serious youth violence.

“We want to reassure the wider community that officers are pursuing all lines of enquiry as well as carrying out increased patrols in the surrounding area.”

She added: “We are continuing to appeal for anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed the incident, or the lead up to it.

“We are also keen to speak to anyone who knows those involved”.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police quoting Operation Cimarron.